JJC Athletics Adds 8 New Sports Programs

Joliet Junior College Director of Athletics Gregg Braun has announced the addition of eight new sport programs to the Wolves athletic department.

The new programs will be men's and women's bowling, men's and women's golf, men's and women's track and field, men's volleyball and competitive cheerleading. Growing the athletic opportunities is an investment in the community, and strengthens relationships with district high schools by providing opportunities for all in-district student-athletes to compete at the collegiate level. The additional sports will welcome 70-90 new student-athletes annually.

"This has been a collaborative effort with the support of President Dr. Judy Mitchell, Executive Vice President Dr. Yolanda Farmer and Dean of Student Success Dr. Angela Kaysen-Luzbetak, along with the approval from the Board of Trustees, " Braun said.

Competitive cheerleading and track and field will begin with the 2022-23 school year, with the possibility of men's volleyball also starting next year. Bowling and golf would begin with the 2023-24 school year. These new sports are extremely popular within JJC's in-district high schools and the state of Illinois. The area that JJC serves has also had success at the state competition level in these sports. Over 60% of JJC's area high schools have all of these sports in their athletic departments. Competitive cheer and men's volleyball are emerging sports for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The organization began formally recognizing them in the fall of 2021 when enough colleges committed to forming programs, allowing the NJCAA to grant sponsored sport status and provide championship events.

"This is an exciting step for us to better serve our high school student-athletes in our district and provide more resources to them to get a great education while continuing pursuing the sports they love while attending JJC," Braun said.

"The Wolves family is growing! The JJC student-athlete experience is extraordinary," Kaysen Luzbetak said. "Top-notch staff, coaches and support resources are in place to ensure our student-athlete success. I am thrilled to see new students join us and become part of our journey, embrace our rich history and contribute to the future of this program and institution."

Recognized as the nation's first community college, Joliet Junior College currently offers athletic opportunities in baseball, softball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer, women's volleyball and men's wrestling. The college's athletics department is dedicated to assisting student-athletes in academic, athletic and personal development, and committed to excellence, integrity, fairness, good sportsmanship and competitiveness in support of and alliance with the mission of the college.

For media inquiries, contact Communications and Media Coordinator Scott Harvey at sharvey@jjc.edu.